An immunosensor based on disposable electrodes for rapid estimation of fatty acid-binding protein, an early marker of myocardial infarction

An immunosensor was developed that allows the rapid estimation of fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) in neat plasma samples. FABP is released into the blood following myocardial infarction and elevated levels are found already 3 h after onset of symptoms. The sensor is based on screen-printed graphite working and Ag/AgCl reference electrodes and an immunosandwich procedure for the quantification of FABP. The capture antibodies are bound to the electrode surface by adsorption and will trap FABP from the plasma sample. The sandwich is then completed by a second monoclonal antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. The enzyme converts p-aminophenylphosphate to p-aminophenol, which is detected amperometrically at +350 mV. The high binding capacity and very short response time of the working electrode allow within 20 min the quantification of FABP in the measuring range 10–350 ng/ml, covering the pathological range of FABP release into the circulation. Measurements of plasma samples from a patient with acute myocardial infarction show an excellent correlation of the results obtained with the biosensor and those obtained with the respective reference ELISA. Owing to the long stability of the electrodes with immobilized capture antibody (>3 months) a quick application without the need of labour-intensive electrode preparation is possible.